Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, Bill Medley, Little Steven & more honored Darlene Love at "Right 2 Rock" benefit (pics)

photos by Dana (distortion) Yavin

Darlene Love & Bill Medley / Brian Wilson / Elvis Costello

At Cipriani’s on Wall Street in New York City, a handful of legendary artists- Little Steven Van Zandt, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Elvis Costello and Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers- came together to pay tribute to Darlene Love. It was the fifth annual “Right 2 Rock” event, raising funds for Little Kids Rock, an organization that works to restore and revitalize music education in public schools, mainly in disadvantaged areas that are threatened by budget cuts…

…Last year’s honoree, E Street Band guitarist Little Steven Van Zandt is an avowed Love fan, having produced and written for her, he also led a successful campaign to get her inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He served as the night’s musical director, playing guitar while conducting the band and looking ecstatic the entire time. Last year, Love performed in Van Zandt’s honor. Before last night’s show, she told Radio.com that being honored this year “Is a weird feeling. It’s also humbling” Always gracious, she deflected attention away from herself, saying “It’s not about me, even though they’re honoring me. It’s about the kids. To be able to give them something they need, and can’t afford, and that the government won’t help them with.” – [Radio.com]

Brian Wilson stayed busy last week, playing two shows with Jeff Beck and then appearing as part of the Darlene Love tribute at Cipriani’s on Thursday (10/17) with Elvis Costello, Bill Medley, Little Steven and more. Pics from the gala event are in this post.

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